UEFA Draws Groups for FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
The UEFA Preliminary Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 was held on Friday at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency
The UEFA qualifying stage will run from March to November 2025, maintaining its format with 12 groups of four or five teams. Group winners will secure direct spots in the World Cup.
Four additional spots will be decided in a 16-team UEFA playoff in March 2026. This will involve the 12 group runners-up and four top-ranked Nations League 2024-25 group winners who haven't already qualified or entered the playoffs.
Historic Expansion for 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format with 48 teams competing from June 11 to July 19. Europe will contribute 16 national teams through the UEFA qualifiers.
The tournament will kick off with the opening match at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and conclude with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
UEFA Qualifying Groups:
- Group A: Winner of Germany vs. Italy Nations League quarterfinal, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg
- Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo
- Group C: Loser of Portugal vs. Denmark Nations League quarterfinal, Greece, Scotland, Belarus
- Group D: Winner of France vs. Croatia Nations League quarterfinal, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan
- Group E: Winner of Spain vs. Netherlands Nations League quarterfinal, Türkiye, Georgia, Bulgaria
- Group F: Winner of Portugal vs. Denmark Nations League quarterfinal, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Armenia
- Group G: Loser of Spain vs. Netherlands Nations League quarterfinal, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta
- Group H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San Marino
- Group I: Loser of Germany vs. Italy Nations League quarterfinal, Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova
- Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein
- Group K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra
- Group L: Loser of France vs. Croatia Nations League quarterfinal, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar
This marks an exciting buildup to the first-ever 48-team World Cup.
